Today marks the beginning of the 2013 baseball season, and the St. Louis Regional Chamber estimates that the season will have a $330.8 million impact on the regional economy.

A new analysis conducted by the Chamber’s Director of Ecomomic Research, Ruth Sergenian, estimates that with nearly 3.2 million fans attending the games this year, the team will generate nearly $154.5 million in direct economic impact, plus $176.3 million in indirect spending.

Typically, out-of-town visitors make up 40 percent of the attendance at Cardinals games, according to the report, and these out-of-towners play a major role in contributing to the economic boost by spending on dining and lodging.

“We basically are a guaranteed sell out for Opening Day every year,” said Brian Morris, director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Regency in downtown Saint Louis.

The Hyatt has 910 rooms and was sold out this weekend plus this evening for Opening Day. The hotel offers a Cardinals package throughout the season that includes tickets to a home game, a $10 credit for food and beverage at Brewhouse, and a voucher for a personalized Louisville Slugger bat. The package pricing typically starts at $239 but can vary depending on room type.

While baseball season helps drive occupany during the summer for the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, Dan Boyer, director of marketing and sales, said although his hotel has been sold out this weekend, it’s not because of Opening Day.

“Quite frankly, it hasn’t been directly related with Opening Day. There is a city-wide convention that is in town. We’re across the street from the convention center, so we’ve been full for the last few nights,” Boyer said.

Yet, Boyer said this weekend’s upcoming series with the Milwaukee Brewers is fueling business at the hotel. He expects the 917-room hotel to be sold out on Saturday night since it’s already 97 percent sold out. And, the hotel is already 70 percent booked for Friday night.

“Once school gets out, we see business throughout the summer from the first of June to early August,” Boyer said. “There’s no question that it (baseball season) brings business to our hotel.”